2026 Epiphany Devotions
Thursday, February 5
Psalm 112:1-9
1 Praise the Lord!
Happy are those who fear the Lord,
who greatly delight in his commandments.
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;
they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved;
they will be remembered forever.
7 They are not afraid of evil tidings;
their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are steady; they will not be afraid;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have distributed freely; they have given to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn is exalted in honor.
“… 9 They have distributed freely; they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; …”
It’s amazing how often sharing with and caring for the poor are equated with righteousness in the Scriptures. You can’t get away from it. Here in Psalm 112, it shows up again. Those who are blessed by the Lord are called to live lives which are faithful and righteous. That means distributing freely from one’s abundance and giving generously to the poor.
Too often, we assume that righteousness in God’s eyes only has to do with living a moral life. Being good, kind, and honest are admirable virtues that should not be abandoned. However, to limit the understanding of God’s call for righteousness to ethical behavior is to miss much of what the Lord demands.
Caring for the poor, the outcast, the marginalized, and the stranger in one’s midst are integral to living a righteous life. Rather than simply a personal plan for moral works, God calls us to live and work in a communal way. Caring for the “other” is just as important – if not more so – in living a “good” life. Faithfulness demands concern for others. “Love your neighbor as yourself,” the Scriptures tell us.
The psalmist reminds us that righteousness has to with compassion and care for others. As Jesus says, “May your righteousness exceed that of the scribes and pharisees.”
Prayer: Lord, you call us to righteous living. Remind me this day and always that righteousness involves caring for others, especially the poor, outcast, marginalized and stranger. Amen.